Little Natural Light? Here's 6 Ways To Brighten Up Your Space

By Alicia Geigel on February 18, 2023

There is nothing worse than feeling weighed down and suffocated in your own space. Though there are a number of reasons your space might make you feel this way, dark walls and lack of natural light can definitely be a solid reason. Depending on the layout of your home or apartment, natural light might be hard to come by, which can ultimately give your place a cramped, gloomy feeling.

If you are someone that is looking to add light to your space and refresh your home, here are six simple ways you can do so!

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1. Utilize Mirrors:  In any space, taking advantage of natural light is a great way to open up the area in general, but when you incorporate mirrors into that, it completely changes the game! When decorating your place, put up a mirror, whatever size of your choice, in front of a window. Doing this will reflect the outside, making your space look bigger while also reflecting the sunshine to add brightness to your space and boost your mood. Who doesn’t love a good illusion and being happy? Thanks, mirrors!

2. Go Warm With Tones and Hues: It is no surprise that dark colors dim and weigh down a space, no matter how big or small it may be. Per Caroline Biggs and Lauren Wicks of Apartment Therapy, “Dark tones absorb more heat and light than lighter-colored ones, so filling an already dim space with moody furnishings and textiles will  make it seem even darker.” If you’re looking to brighten up your place, warm tones and hues can do wonders. Though it may be boring, choose a bright white or eggshell for your wall colors. Add warm accents (think browns, light yellows, oranges, etc.) to your space, like pillows, blankets, lamp shades, artwork, etc., to give it an airy, open feeling.

3. Add Gloss Where You Can: Similar to mirrors, glossy surfaces can help to reflect and bounce light around your space, which can help to make it both brighter and seem bigger. Shiny surfaces and items do not have to be limited to mirrors, however, and can be created in a number of simple ways. For one, painting your walls, trim, or ceilings with a clear,  lacquered coat of paint will refresh your walls and give them new life. Additionally, you can add gloss to your place by accessorizing with different home decor pieces. Examples include metallic vases, lamps, and art, or glass items like coffee tables, vases, figurines, etc.

4. Keep Furniture Away From the Windows: Though it is an obvious tip, one of the best ways you can add light to your space is to allow as much light as possible to come into your home. This means keeping your windows free and clear of obstructions, which mainly applies to big pieces of furniture, such as couches, accent chairs, bookshelves, etc. While it may be difficult to figure out the positioning of your prized pieces, leaving your windows unobstructed is another smart (and inexpensive, may I add) way to brighten up your home with natural light.

5. Opt for Sheer Curtains: While we’re on the topic of windows, let’s talk about curtains. Curtains are a multi-functional item that not only adds flair and style to your home but also help with privacy and even keeping in the hot/cold during different seasons. Ditch the draperies and blackout curtains for a more sheer style of curtains for a breezy, open, and bright feel. A blog post by Bliss Lights suggests, “A solid white sheer curtain can counter your space’s darkness, and turquoise or lavender sheer curtains can infuse your space with character.” If you’re still concerned about privacy, opt for a sheer privacy film to put on your windows. These types of films come in different styles and give you tons of privacy but don’t sacrifice any of the natural light.

6. When in Doubt, Artificial Light Will Do the Job: Though windows are arguably the best way to make your space brighter and give it the most amount of light, utilizing them isn’t always easy or possible. If you have limited space in your home and can’t get the most out of your windows, artificial light is just fine to use. Supplementing natural light with artificial light is a popular and cost-effective way to add life to your space. From table lamps and floor lamps to light fixtures and flameless candles, there are endless ways you can brighten up any area in your home. In addition, consider in what direction you position your lights, especially the ones on your walls. Charles Curkin of Elle Decor notes, “Indirect lighting aimed upward can make up for lack of light on the ceiling, especially toward the end of the day.”

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Image via Pexels F

Brightening your home doesn’t have to require a ton of effort or cost a lot of money. With small steps like opting for sheer curtains or adding a glossy finish to your walls, your home will be revitalized and feel so much better.

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